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Graffiti Pier is Philadelphia’s raw, unfiltered canvas of street art—walls splashed with bold, ever-changing murals that scream creativity and rebellion. No rules, no gates, just endless expression. A paradise for photographers and urban explorers, this graffiti haven turns concrete into poetry, one spray can at a time.
Everything you need to know about Graffiti Pier
Stay at The Franklin Hotel, a boutique property just a 10-minute walk from Graffiti Pier, featuring industrial-chic design and curated urban art installations. Rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows facing the pier, providing panoramic views of ever-changing murals. The hotel provides free bicycles for exploring the scenic Delaware River Trail and hosts regular local artist residencies, allowing guests to engage directly with Philadelphia’s vibrant street art scene.
Walk south along Pennsylvania Avenue for about 5 minutes to reach Fishtown Art Space, a hub for local muralists hosting spontaneous graffiti workshops and independent craft markets. Nearby, Bella Vita Pizzeria offers handmade pizzas in a cozy, community-oriented setting with a riverside patio perfect for evening dining and enjoying the pier’s light displays. Public transit options include SEPTA buses and Philadelphia Bike Share, making it easy to explore surrounding cultural spots.
At night, Graffiti Pier transforms under ambient lighting, creating dramatic visuals on its murals—ideal for visiting between 7–9 PM when street performers and pop-up concerts often take place. Join a guided tour hosted by local nonprofits to explore the social narratives behind each artwork. For relaxation, hop on the RiverLink Ferry from the pier to Chestnut Street Dock, enjoying scenic views of illuminated walls and riverfront installations, blending urban art with a romantic waterfront experience.
While Graffiti Pier focuses on art, nearby Franklin Square Park offers family-friendly facilities including playgrounds, open lawns, and live public music performances. The park features free Wi-Fi, shaded seating areas, and ample space for children to play safely while parents relax. Every Saturday morning, the Fishtown Farmers Market sets up nearby, offering fresh produce and artisanal treats perfect for a family outing. Easily accessible via multiple SEPTA bus routes, the area also provides generous parking, ensuring convenient access for families.
Take SEPTA Route 36 bus from Center City, heading along Market Street to the Graffiti Pier Stop, a 20-minute ride. Alternatively, rent a bike via Philadelphia Bike Share and ride along the Delaware River Trail—a scenic 15-minute journey with views of the skyline and riverfront. For convenience, taxis or rideshare services take 10–15 minutes, with dedicated drop-off zones near the pier for seamless access.
Absolutely—Graffiti Pier is a photographer’s paradise, especially during golden hour or early morning when natural light enhances mural colors and textures. Ideal spots include the high-level viewing platform at the entrance for sweeping overhead shots, and the riverwalk path for low-angle compositions that mirror murals in the water. Bring a tripod and polarizing filter for optimal results. Flash photography is prohibited to preserve the artists’ creative environment.
Most exhibitions around Graffiti Pier are free and open without reservations, but limited-entry events hosted by Fishtown Arts Collective—such as themed shows or interactive workshops—require advance HopeGoo via their official website to secure a spot. These events typically occur on weekends and offer bilingual (English/Chinese) guided tours for international visitors. Some venues enforce capacity limits to ensure a comfortable, immersive experience.
See what other travelers say about Graffiti Pier
Absolutely stunning hotel in the heart of Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square—perfect location, just steps from great restaurants, shops, and attractions. From the moment you walk in, the staff greet you with warm smiles and genuine hospitality. One particular front desk attendant always opens the door with a cheerful welcome, making every arrival feel special. The room is actually a cozy studio apartment with a well-equipped kitchen and a spacious living area—ideal for both short stays and longer visits. Everything feels thoughtfully designed, and the attention to detail is impressive. It’s not just a place to sleep—it’s a home away from home with exceptional service and charm.
Absolutely loved our stay at this hotel! The location is perfect for exploring downtown Philadelphia—walking to City Hall takes just about 10 minutes, and everything feels so accessible. The room was spacious, clean, and had a fantastic view of the city skyline, making mornings with coffee absolutely peaceful. Right across the street is a highly-rated pizzeria that we ended up visiting twice—it’s that good. There’s also a popular Greek restaurant just steps away, packed with locals and travelers alike, and every meal we tried there was delicious. The whole area feels vibrant and safe, ideal for wandering around and soaking in the city vibe. Everything about this place—from service to convenience to food options—earned a full score. This isn’t just a hotel; it’s the perfect base for an unforgettable Philly adventure.
I highly recommend Roost Rittenhouse—truly exceptional! I was going through a personal challenge during my stay, and while it had nothing to do with the hotel or staff, their compassion and support went far beyond what I expected. They treated me with kindness, empathy, and professionalism, making my experience much more bearable. The apartment itself is stylish, clean, and well-equipped, with a prime location just steps away from downtown Philly’s best spots. From check-in to checkout, every interaction felt genuine and caring. It’s clear this team truly values guest wellbeing. I’ll definitely be back and would recommend them to anyone looking for comfort, warmth, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Staying at The Franklin on Rittenhouse was an absolute delight! This boutique hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Philadelphia, housed in a beautifully preserved historic building with charming architectural details. The room was cozy and thoughtfully designed—warm lighting, plush bedding, and a quiet atmosphere made for a truly relaxing stay. The staff went above and beyond with their hospitality, always friendly and attentive without being intrusive. Breakfast was a highlight, especially the cheese—rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious with fresh pastries. The neighborhood is walkable and full of character: historic buildings line the streets, each adorned with vibrant flowers and greenery outside windows and doorways. Just steps away from a large grocery store for quick essentials, and it’s only a short stroll to City Hall or a quick subway ride to the University of Pennsylvania. Everything you need is within reach, yet the area still feels peaceful and timeless. It’s rare to find such a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and charm—this place feels like home, but better. I’ll definitely be back.
The family suite was perfect for our trip with kids—complete with a kitchen, washer/dryer, and spacious living area. The room had a lovely old-world charm, and just a 100-meter walk from the door brought us to a convenient grocery store where we could pick up fresh ingredients and cook meals at home. It’s incredibly clean and comfortable, and being so close to Independence Hall, City Hall, museums, and Drexel University made exploring downtown Philadelphia a breeze. The only minor downside was some noise from motorcycles passing by the window, but it didn’t ruin the overall experience. Everything else was top-notch—great location, excellent amenities, and fantastic value. Definitely coming back.
Staying at the Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown Center City was an absolute delight—especially considering the incredible value for money. The location is unbeatable: just a short walk from City Hall, with the subway station right outside the door. Since Philly isn’t a huge city, getting around by Uber is affordable and convenient. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-appointed, though the lighting was a bit dimmer than I’d prefer—nothing major, but something to note if you like bright spaces. Overall, this hotel delivers on comfort, convenience, and price. Whether you're here for business or leisure, it’s a smart choice. I’ll definitely be returning next time I visit Philadelphia.
The Maj Hotel offers an unbeatable location for travelers exploring Philadelphia. Just a short walk from major attractions and public transit options, it's incredibly convenient for getting around the city. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with thoughtful touches that made the stay feel special. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout our visit. Overall, this is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy the best of Philly without compromising on comfort or value—definitely a place I’d recommend and return to.
Had an absolutely wonderful stay at Guild House Hotel in Center City Philly! From the moment I booked, the staff was incredibly responsive and helpful—clear communication before and after check-in made everything smooth. The hotel’s boutique vibe is unique and stylish, with a great mix of modern comfort and character. Every amenity we needed was thoughtfully provided, and the room was spotless and cozy. It's perfect for travelers who appreciate attention to detail and a welcoming atmosphere. I’d highly recommend this gem to anyone visiting Philadelphia—it truly stands out.
Staying at Lokal Hotel Old City felt like living in a stylish, compact apartment right in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district. The location is perfect—walking distance to major attractions and local gems. My room, Betsi (the first one up the stairs), had a great layout with a separate bedroom, cozy living area, mini kitchenette, dining space, and even a laundry corner—ideal for longer stays or those who prefer self-contained spaces. High ceilings and tasteful decor added charm and character throughout. Check-in was completely contactless via a simple code—no keys needed, which made everything seamless and convenient. I appreciated the modern, efficient touch. This isn’t just a hotel; it’s a homey retreat with city vibes. Highly recommend for travelers seeking authenticity, comfort, and smart design without the hassle.
Staying at this hotel was an absolute highlight of my trip to Philadelphia. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from Independence Hall, making it incredibly convenient for history lovers and sightseers alike. The hotel itself has a unique charm with elegant decor, soft lighting, and a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. From the moment I walked in, the staff were warm and attentive, adding to the overall excellent experience. It’s rare to find such a perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience in one place. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Philly—this is definitely a top-tier choice.
Staying in the heart of Philadelphia doesn’t have to break the bank, and this hotel proves it. I was genuinely surprised by how affordable the rates were—better than any other option I found across the city. The location is perfect: within walking distance to major attractions, museums, and downtown hotspots. I didn’t expect such a spacious and well-designed room for the price, and it felt more like a luxury stay than a budget one. The staff were friendly, the bed was comfortable, and the overall vibe was welcoming. If you’re visiting Philly and want a great balance of value, convenience, and quality, this is the place to book. I’d absolutely stay here again.
Staying at this Holiday Inn was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the airport and close to the stadium, making it super convenient for both business trips and travel. The hotel itself is quiet and well-maintained, with clean, spacious rooms that feel really comfortable. I especially appreciated the full breakfast spread—fresh, diverse, and delicious. Everything from the amenities to the staff service felt top-notch. If you're in Philly, this is definitely a go-to choice. I’ll be back without hesitation.
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